Call of the Wild by Jack London (Book Summary and Review) - Minute Book Report
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- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
- This is a quick book summary and analysis of Call of the Wild by Jack London. This channel discusses and reviews books, novels, and short stories through drawing...poorly. New Minute Book Reports are posted every week.
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This is a story about a dog named Buck who lives on a beautiful estate in California, but is sold off as a sled dog.
After being badly beaten by a dog trainer, Buck is used to pull mail in the Arctic. Although the work is tough, he learns quickly and soon takes over the sled team by killing the previous leader.
The dog team is sold off to different sled drivers and nearly worked to death. They are in need of rest, but because of mismanagement, the strength of the dogs gets drained out of them until they are killed off one by one. Fortunately, Buck is saved by a man named John Thornton, a kind man with a heart for animals.
John takes in Buck and helps him recover. Buck, having been mistreated by others in the past, is apprehensive at first, but then grows to love John. In fact, Buck pulls a 1,000 pound sled to win John a bet.
John takes Buck and the rest of his dogs into the back country, searching for a mythical Lost Cabin. During this search, Buck wanders into the forest by himself and meets a wild wolf, which sparks a primal instinct within him.
One night, after returning from the forest, Buck sees that John has been killed by a group of local Indians.
In the end, with nowhere else to go, Buck integrates into the local wolf pack, becoming a part of local Indian mythology.
First, this story discusses the relationship between domestic and primal instincts. Buck is introduced as a soft dog, living a luxurious life on the grounds of a mansion. But when he is taken and placed in the wild with other dogs, something within him changes. Yet, these changes are not foreign to him. It's like these instincts are already a part of him, just unearthed.
And what makes this more relatable to readers, who don't necessary experience that call of the wild in our highly modernized society, is how these primal instincts may have more to do with morality than grunts and cavemen drawings.
The story suggests that often to survive, moral nature must die. As Buck tries to assimilate to his new outdoor lifestyle, he is timid and almost polite, to the point where the other dogs eat his food. However, he soon learns to steal food to survive. In fact, he learns that it is easier to steal than not to steal.
But why would readers enjoy a story about non-talking dogs? It's because of the applicability of the story to humans through the style of writing. As written, readers are placed in the head of dog, trying to understand the sled dog culture.
And as the story goes on, readers discover how humanized Buck's personality is. Buck is relatable as a character. Any person who has worked in a job that they didn't necessarily want can understand the struggles Buck goes through in this story. It's a frustration derived by helplessness, anger, and fear, all human emotions, yet felt by a dog and projected to a level of relatability.
Through Minute Book Reports, hopefully you can get the plot and a few relevant discussion points in just a couple of minutes.
Music by WingoWinston from newgrounds.com.
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Minute Book Reports I have already done that😅💪cuz we were written a test on it so I sent it to everyone
@@madliam21 😁😁
sir you are a life saver i may or may not have left this book for the last minute
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I am A bad reader and I had a report about this book and this helped me so much!! I can't thank you enough!!! My report went awesome because of this video.😊😌😃😃😃😃😃u explained the book way better than any other video or summary about it especially about resting this to real life.
+Luca Blue Glad your book report went well.
i agree
Same
THIS IS THE BEST VIDEO FOR WRITING THE BOOK REVIEW OF THE CALL OF THE WILD!! LIKE SERIOUSLY....IT FELT THAT THIS VIDEO IS OF 10 MINS AND SO CLEARLY EXPLAINED, BUT WHEN WE SEE THAT THE VIDEO IS ONLY OF 3 MINS, WE GET SURPRISED THAT HOW CAN IT BE SO GREATLY AND CLEARLY EXPLAINED WHEN IT IS SO SHORT!!! YOU ARE GREAT, MAN!! (NK)
The Call of the Wild by Jack London
Summary
The Call of the Wild is a gripping adventure novel set during the Klondike Gold Rush in the Yukon Territory. It follows Buck, a domesticated dog, as he is stolen from his comfortable life in California and sold into the harsh world of sled dogs. As Buck adapts to the brutal wilderness, he discovers his primal instincts and strength, eventually answering “the call” of the wild. Jack London explores themes of survival, nature’s power, and the tension between civilization and the wild.
Story Structure
1. Beginning/Exposition
• Introduction of Buck:
Buck, a powerful St. Bernard-Scotch Shepherd mix, lives a luxurious life as a pet on Judge Miller’s estate in California.
• Inciting Incident:
Buck is stolen by a gardener’s assistant, sold into the sled dog trade, and shipped to the Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush.
2. Rising Action
• Buck’s Harsh New Life:
Buck is introduced to the brutal world of sled dogs. He is beaten into submission with a club by his first handler, the “man in the red sweater,” teaching him “the law of club and fang.”
• Adaptation and Instincts:
Buck becomes part of a sled team led by François and Perrault. He quickly learns to survive by embracing his instincts and competing for leadership against other dogs, particularly Spitz, the dominant sled dog.
• Buck’s Triumph Over Spitz:
Buck challenges Spitz and defeats him in a vicious fight, establishing himself as the new leader of the pack.
• Human Masters and Struggles:
Buck experiences harsh conditions under various owners, including cruel and incompetent masters like Hal, Charles, and Mercedes, who overwork and mistreat the dogs, leading to the death of many.
3. Climax
• Buck’s Bond with John Thornton:
Buck is rescued by John Thornton, a kind and experienced outdoorsman. For the first time, Buck experiences genuine love and loyalty toward a human. Thornton heals Buck and allows him to thrive.
• The Call of the Wild Grows Stronger:
While Buck remains loyal to Thornton, he becomes increasingly drawn to the wilderness. He spends time with a wolf pack and feels his instincts calling him to live freely.
4. Falling Action
• John Thornton’s Death:
Tragedy strikes when Thornton and his camp are killed by a group of Indigenous Yeehat warriors. In a fit of rage and grief, Buck avenges Thornton’s death, attacking the Yeehats and killing several.
5. Resolution
• Answering the Call:
With no ties left to humanity, Buck fully embraces the wild. He joins a wolf pack, becoming a legend among the Yeehats as a “Ghost Dog” who roams the wilderness, embodying strength and freedom.
Themes and Analysis
1. Survival and Instinct:
Buck’s transformation highlights the power of primal instincts and the ability to adapt to harsh conditions.
2. The Power of Nature:
The novel showcases the untamed wilderness as both a brutal and beautiful force, shaping Buck’s destiny.
3. Civilization vs. the Wild:
Buck’s journey contrasts the comforts of civilization with the raw, unforgiving power of the wild, illustrating the call to return to nature.
4. Loyalty and Love:
Buck’s bond with John Thornton represents the depth of loyalty and affection possible between humans and animals.
5. Transformation and Freedom:
Buck’s evolution from a pampered pet to a wild, free creature symbolizes the reclamation of his true identity.
Why the Title?
The title The Call of the Wild refers to the irresistible pull Buck feels toward the wilderness. It symbolizes the innate, primal force within all living beings that urges them to embrace freedom and the natural order of life.
What Should We Take Away?
• Resilience and Adaptation: Buck’s journey teaches us the importance of strength and adaptability in the face of adversity.
• Respect for Nature: The novel emphasizes the beauty and power of the natural world, encouraging a deeper respect for its forces.
• Freedom and Identity: Buck’s transformation reveals that true freedom comes from embracing one’s instincts and authentic self.
Legacy and Impact
• The Call of the Wild is considered a classic of American literature, celebrated for its vivid storytelling and exploration of nature and survival.
• The novel has inspired countless adaptations in film, television, and theater, solidifying its place as a timeless adventure story.
• It remains a powerful reflection on humanity’s connection to nature and the wild spirit within.
Thanks I was supposed to read this and I never got to it and now I know what it's about
Dude you are literally a savior, I had to do 2 book reports one on this, and one on the red badge of courage and your vids saved me
I'm currently reading this book and i can just say that,so far,it's amazing.
It's a really great book. Quick and easy, but some nice images.
You just helped me with my essay thank you.
This is all i needed. Lol
I don't even have to read the book anymore.
This says everything.
Lolol
Thank You Minute Book Reports.
considering that it's only a 62 page book, I don't know why it's such a big deal to read it yourself
SAME HERE!!!! It's a amazing video!! I don't have to read the freaking name of the book and to the guy who is like "it's a 62 page book" I had 1 day to read and write a report about it so Ye...
Luca Blue maybe if you didn't put off your work until the last minute you wouldn't have that problem
+Justin Johnson I didn't put it off 😑
No teacher gives such an assignment with such high time expectations
I really like the way you thought out and presented your summary. It was very thoughtful and wise. This was really helpful!!!
This is why I passed English
Me using this for my book report
I have a test on this tmr and this helped me understand the plot a little better thx
Katrina same im dieing !!!😂😂
Thanks you dude, you saved my life today.
+tyler andersen You're welcome. :)
youre the best, i had a book report due, and i didnt get the book at alkl yilol nnot
Thank you for this I need this
Thxs so much I really needed this
Glad it helped. :)
Thank you so much ! This is so helpful I have a post test and I can't afford to fail another one due to a misunderstanding in the book !
Thank you for saving my life
I have an essay to write like right now and this helped a lot!!!!!!
I have a test on this tm and this helped me so much !! Thanks
Me to
Tysm, I have my english exam in 1-2 hours, I didn't read the book, so this really helps!
I'll add that book to the list. It's a pretty long list of books, but it will happen eventually. Thanks.
Thanks. So what did you think of the book?
Thank you for the review
When i first watched this video i thought that you were a youtuber with 2 mil subs, but you didnt even have 50 k. tbh you need more subs. BTW you helped me, i didnt want to read this book since it didnt have any pictures. BUT *YOU* HAVEEEEEEE
Thanks. I'm glad the video helped. If the subs come, great. If not, that's okay. I just like reading and talking about books.
Typically, setting is where and when a story takes place. However In Call of The Wild, jack london uses the time of the klondike gold strike fir his story's time frame, but he uses two contrasting places. describe each unique place in 2-3 sentences and describe its impact on the setting, can you please answer this question for me?
Thank so very much I have paper due today I just got it done
I always loved this story. This should be made into an epic movie.
It is now 2020
@@danub5202 It is now 2021
And the movie has been made
This is great, glad this exists. But the audiobook is only like 4.5 hrs long and is in the public domain, give it a go.
im so happy buck is living with a wolf he has a friend and soewhere to live
Thank you
Lol. This sure sounds like a question straight for a school assignment. Anyway, the question is a little confusing, but I'll do my best. The two major settings are "civilized" and "wild." The civilized settings are wherever there are people, like CA, the train station, etc. The wild is everything else. And while the "wild" changes geographically, it essentially represents the same thing: the unconquered place where instinct rules all.
Hope this helps a little. Good luck on your assignment. ;)
IM GLAD I SAW THIS TYSM
This is really awesome, maybe you could do one on the original jungle book
this video was awesome I am terrible at reading and did not understand the book that well anyway great vid
+RC-NitroKid.Net Glad the video helped you. :)
you welcome
video earned a subscription
Agreed
I have to take quizzes all the books that I read in or out of school and it counts as my grade so do u think that this is enough for a 10 question quiz
Ar tests?
The best book ever written
Can you please do one of these on the book "The Secret Life Of Bees"
What app do you use to record your screen?
I use Screenflow to record my screen.
Hey yeah this is alright but can you make the music just a little louder?
"All landed well with Jonh Thorton."
"But not in the book, because he was murdered! : D And then Buck killed his murderers. What a fun children's story. : )"
Even if you made this years ago, it’s still relevant today
There isn't a Thug Notes version, but this was a solid summary.
Is this summary invluding the five stories? (Call of the wild, an oddesy of the north, to the man on the trail, to build a fire, and love of life)?
This is just of Call of the Wild.
Minute Book Reports Thanks
Wait - you mean to tell me there's more? Oof.
I AM THE 420th LIKE> Great vid btw, ya actually captured the essence and how relatable the story is really well. I love it
I find that it's funny that my pit name is buck and me and my family rescued him and his family from death tied in some woods him and his siblings including his mom would have died if buck was tied right we followed him to his mom
This is one of my favorite books and i got it for christmas 2017
Awesome. That's a great gift. Not too many people get books as gifts anymore. Good for you.
You forgot to mention Spitz and the wild dogs.
I do book club and my role is due I have to know what happens up to page 66 can someone help me
Balto book review
What would the target audience for the book be?
+Robin Kaler The target audience is probably young adult, but I know that this book is often given to children and high school students. However, I don't believe the author intended the story to be written for a younger audience.
thank u if i didnt have this then i would be in big trouble
OMG YOU'RE THE BEST
bro if i never seen this i would have failed 8th grade thanks
Uhh yeah...ik this is supposed to be short but, some major details are left out...
I WOULD HAVE DIED WITHOUT YOU
+Gboi116 lol. Thanks. :)
#SummerReadingDueIn2Hours
Can anyone like describe the first dogs to me?
am i the only one here that actually read the book...
lol. Maybe. I think it's always better to read the book.
jeff no I read it
I read half of it and listened to the other half on audio.
The call of the wind
The call of the wild Ko hindi Mai batane ka KST kare
Im reading that book at shcool
A wild woof
I hated this book
How come?